Centerline animal weave training device connector

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for demonstrating animal agility. In one embodiment, the weave apparatus includes a rail with a set of releasably removable legs. The apparatus has a plurality of joints that each secure a leg to the rail. The joint includes an axle that the leg pivots about relative to the rail. The joint in various embodiments includes a toolless releasable latching mechanism and/or a locking mechanism. In an embodiment used for training, the legs are grooved or slotted for engaging by a slider. Each slider engages one of the legs and includes a vertical projection that engages a pole. With the slider fully engaging the leg, the projection and pole are directly above the rail centerline. In a competition style embodiment, the legs provide support for the rail and the peg for the weave poles is attached to the rail.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part application of U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/018,560, filed Jan. 23, 2008,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/886,329,filed Jan. 24, 2007.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to a weave trainer for demonstration of animalagility. More particularly, in various embodiments, the weave trainerincludes legs for the rail that have a locking mechanism securing thelegs to the rail and the legs are removable from the rail.

2. Description of the Related Art

Agility is the fastest growing dog sport in the USA. Numerous dog clubevents are sanctioned by such entities as the American Kennel Club, Inc.(AKC), the United States Dog Agility Association, Inc. (USDAA) andseveral other active organizations. Agility is also popular in manyother parts of the world, especially Europe, where it was founded. Indensely populated parts of the USA, exhibitors have a choice of agilitytrials within driving distance on virtually every weekend. Each trialaverages several hundred dogs. There are numerous training facilities inevery major metropolitan area. Regional, national and internationalcompetitions continue to spark an interest in the sport, and televisedevents are becoming more and more common.

Of all the obstacles required for successful dog agility competition,the most difficult to train and perform correctly is the weave poles.Even at the novice level, courses in most organizations contain a set ofuniformly-spaced PVC poles (usually six), while more advanced levelsmandate longer sets (usually twelve). The dog must enter the obstacle bypassing between the first two poles from the right to the left, the nextfrom left to right, and so on, continuing the alternating sequence forthe full length of the set.

Equipment specifications are unique to each agility organization, andthese specifications change from time to time. Many commonalitiescurrently exist, and it is possible to manufacture a set that issuitable for regulation use by more than one organization. Somemanufacturers offer a product choice that addresses these differences(e.g., spacing between poles) in order to support more rigorously therequirements of each organization.

A variety of different approaches to training weave poles has evolvedsince the sport first came to the USA in the 1980s. Some of thesetraining approaches have led to modified designs for equipment that ispractical for training, but not suitable for competition. Manymanufacturers therefore offer two basic types of products: those fortraining weave pole skills and those that meet competitionspecifications.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to various embodiments of the present invention, a weavetrainer is provided. In one embodiment, the weave trainer includes arail with a set of independently adjustable poles. In one embodiment,the rail is a flat, rectangular elongated member. In another embodiment,the rail is made from channel stock. The top of the rail has a non-skidsurface. Attached to the rail are alternating legs extending away fromthe centerline of the rail. The odd numbered legs are positioned on oneside of the rail and the even numbered legs are positioned on theopposite side of the rail.

The legs are grooved for engaging by a slider. Each slider engages oneof the legs and includes a projection that engages a weave pole thatextends normal to the flat surface of the rail. The sliders slide alongthe legs, thereby allowing the selection of specific distances from therail centerline to the pole. In one embodiment, the distal end of theslider has a downward projecting edge that has a bottom surface that isco-planar with the bottom surface of the rail.

With the slider fully engaging the leg, the projection and pole aredirectly above the rail centerline. When the projection and pole aredirectly above the rail centerline, the apparatus satisfies regulationequipment specifications for all major agility organizations. The slideris slideable along the leg to position the projection and pole away fromthe rail centerline. In one embodiment, the upper surface of the leg hasone or more markings, or indicia, that allow the position of the slideralong the leg to be known. In one embodiment, an opening in the slideris aligned with an opening in the leg when the slider fully engages theleg. The aligned openings receive a plug for covering the openings or aspike for securing the weave trainer to the ground.

In one embodiment, the vertical angle of the weave poles are adjustableby a pivot mechanism attached to the slider. The pivot mechanism allowsthe poles to be positioned at various angles through at least a 180degree range where the external environment permits. Where the selectedangle causes the weave pole to be in a vertical position, theconfiguration conforms to regulation equipment specifications for allmajor agility organizations. The pivot mechanism has an axle and acollar. The collar rotates about the axle. The position of the collar isfixed by tightening a stud through the collar against the axle. The studis attached to a dowel on which a weave pole is secured. The rotation ofthe collar changes the angle of the weave pole. In one embodiment, thehousing of the pivot mechanism has one or more markings, or indicia,that allow the angle of the pole with respect to the slider to be known.In other embodiments, the pivot mechanism is attached to the rail or thelegs.

In various embodiments, the legs are attached to the rail at a jointthat is separable. The separable joint does not require additionalhardware or tooling to install or remove the legs. In one suchembodiment, the legs have a ledge and a groove at the proximal end. Whenthe rail is a channel with a base surface and two side surfaces, therail has a window through a portion of the base surface and a sidesurface. The window receives the ledge under the base surface and thegroove fits over the side wall such that the legs are secured. Inanother such embodiment, the joint includes a pair of bars that define achannel that receives the end of a leg. The leg has a hook end thatengages a peg in the channel. The leg pivots about the peg. In varioussuch embodiments, the joint includes a latching mechanism and/or alocking mechanism that releasably secures the leg to the rail in adeployed or extended position. The latching mechanism secures the leg tothe rail by friction and/or a detent. The locking mechanism secures theleg to the rail by a fastener engaging aligned cavities in one bar andthe leg.

In one embodiment, a hinge is attached to the one end of a rail. Thehinge is also attached to one end of another rail. The hinge allows thetwo rails to fold together. Where the hinge connects rails made fromchannel stock, the folded rails form a cavity that permits storage ofthe removable legs.

A method of training an animal with the weave trainer is disclosed. Thefirst step is to have the animal travel along the centerline of the railwhen the sliders are positioned with the poles away from the centerlineof the rail. The animal repeatedly travels along the centerline of therail with the sliders positioned progressively inward to the retractedposition, which moves the poles progressively closer to the centerlineof the rail. The last training step is to have the animal follow aweaving path with the poles positioned over the rail centerline asoriented when demonstrating agility according to the regulations of allmajor agility organizations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearlyunderstood from the following detailed description of the invention readtogether with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a weave trainer;

FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer with thepoles positioned such that a path is defined along the rail centerline;

FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer with thepoles positioned such that a slightly weaving path is defined along therail centerline;

FIG. 4 is a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer with thepoles positioned above the rail centerline;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a leg and aslider;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottom of one embodiment of aslider;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a leg;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a leg;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a leg andslider;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bottom of another embodiment of aslider;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a leg;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a slider;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bottom of the slider shown in FIG.12;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a pivotmechanism;

FIG. 15 is an exploded front view of the pivot mechanism shown in FIG.14;

FIG. 16 is a front view of another embodiment of a weave trainer;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a weave trainer;

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a jointbetween a rail and a leg;

FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of the rail shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of the leg shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a connectorbetween the rails of two weave trainers;

FIG. 22 is another partial perspective view of the connector shown inFIG. 21 in a folded configuration;

FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of aconnector between the rails of two weave trainers;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the connector shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a partial side perspective view of another embodiment of aconnector between the rails of two weave trainers;

FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a jointbetween a rail and a leg;

FIG. 27 is a partial side view of one embodiment of a leg; and

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the rail shown in FIG. 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus and method for weave training an animal is disclosed.Agility is a fast growing dog sport. One event for a dog agilitycompetition is passage through a set of weave poles. This event requiresthe dog to follow a weaving path between a set of spaced parallel poles.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a weavetrainer 100. The weave trainer 100 includes a rail 102 that is anelongated, flat member. The top surface 112 of the rail 102 has aslip-resistant treatment, such as an etched surface or a non-skid paintor layer.

Extending from the rail 102 are legs 104 that alternate between oppositesides of the rail 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the first leg104-L extends from the left side of the rail 102 and the second leg104-R extends from the right side of the rail 102. The other legs 104alternate in a like manner along the length of the rail 102.

Coupled to each leg 104 is a slider 106 that has a weave pole 108extending upward from the proximal end 116 of the slider 106, which isnearest the centerline, or longitudinal axis, 110 of the rail 102. Thesliders 106 slideably engage the legs 104 such that the distance of thepoles 108 from the longitudinal axis 110 is adjustable.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer100-A with the poles 108 positioned such that a path 204-A is definedparallel to and above the rail centerline 110. FIG. 2 illustrates ananimal 202-A with its body aligned along the rail centerline 110 of theweave trainer 100 as the animal 202-A travels the path 204-A. In theillustrated configuration of the weave trainer 100-A, the sliders 106carrying the poles 108 have been adjusted by sliding the sliders 106along the legs 104 away from the rail centerline 110 such that the poles108 are spaced away from the rail centerline 110 with a gap sufficientfor the animal 202-A to pass along the rail centerline 110 withoutweaving.

FIG. 2 also illustrates an early step in the training method where theanimal 202-A travels the path 204-A that follows the rail centerline 110between the poles 108, which have been moved away from the centerline110. In this step, the animal 202-A repeatedly traverses the weavetrainer 100-A along the rail centerline 110. The animal 202-A becomesfamiliar with the weave trainer 100 and with moving between the poles108 on alternating sides of the rail 102.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer100-B with the poles 108 positioned such that a slightly weaving path204-B is defined along the rail centerline 110. The animal 202-B has itsbody slightly offset from being parallel with the rail centerline 110 asthe animal 202-B travels the path 204-B. In the illustratedconfiguration of the weave trainer 100-B, the sliders 106 carrying thepoles 108 have been adjusted by sliding the sliders 106 along the legs104 away from the rail centerline 110 such that the poles 108 are spacedaway from the rail centerline 110 with a gap sufficient for the animal202-B to pass along the rail centerline 110 with a slight weaving.

FIG. 3 also illustrates a step in the training method following the stepillustrated in FIG. 2. In this step, the animal 202-B travels theslightly weaving path 204-B between the poles 108, which have been movedslightly toward the rail centerline 110 relative to the configuration ofthe weave trainer 100-A illustrated in FIG. 2. In this step, the animal202-B repeatedly traverses the weave trainer 100-B and the animal 202-Bbecomes familiar with following a slightly weaving path 204-B betweenthe poles 108 on alternating sides of the rail 102.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the weave trainer100-C with the poles 108 positioned above the rail centerline 110. Theposition of the poles 108 defines a weaving path 204-C along the railcenterline 110. The animal 202-C has its body significantly offset frombeing parallel with the rail centerline 110 as the animal 202-C travelsthe path 204-C. In the illustrated configuration of the weave trainer100-C, the sliders 106 carrying the poles 108 have been adjusted bysliding the sliders 106 such that the poles 108 are above the railcenterline 110.

FIG. 4 also illustrates a step at the end of one embodiment on thetraining method. In this step the animal 202-C travels the weaving path204-C around the poles 108 on the rail centerline 110. In this step, theanimal 202-C travels the weaving path 204-C between the poles 108, whichhave been moved toward the rail centerline 110 from the configuration ofthe weave trainer 100-B illustrated in FIG. 3. In this step, the animal202-C repeatedly traverses the weave trainer 100-C and the animal 202-Cbecomes familiar with traversing the weaving path 204-C between thepoles 108.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the progression of steps in the training method,with the steps progressively training the animal 202 to traverse theweave trainer 100. The method of training includes the steps of havingthe animal 202-A follow a centerline path 204-A, followed by a step ofhaving the animal 202-B follow a slightly weaving path 204-B, andfollowed by another step of having the animal 202-C traverse a weavingpath 204-C. The position of the sliders 106 and the poles 108 for themiddle step progressively moves from the configuration illustrated inFIG. 2 to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 as the animal 202becomes familiar and comfortable with weaving between the poles 108.That is, the animal 202 repeated traverses a path 204 that progressivelychanges from a straight path 204-A to a weaving path 204-C.

Further, the rail 102 provides a visual cue to the animal 202. For thestep illustrated in FIG. 2 where the animal 202-A travels a straightpath 204-A, the rail provides a clear path for the animal 202-A tofollow. For the steps where the animal 202-B, 202-C follows a weavingpath 204-B, 204-C, the rail 102 provides indication of the generaldirection that the animal 202-B, 202-C is to travel. The constantpresence of the rail 102 promotes learning the footwork required totraverse the weave trainer 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of one embodiment of a leg104-A1 and a slider 106-A. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of thebottom of one embodiment of a slider 106-A. FIG. 7 illustrates aperspective view of one embodiment of a leg 104-A1.

The illustrated embodiment of the slider 106-A includes a peg 502extending upwards from the proximal end 116 of the slider 106-A. The peg502 is a cylindrical member. The weave pole 108 is a hollow tube, suchas a section of PVC pipe, that slides over and engages the peg 502. Theproximal end 116 of the slider 106-A is contoured to minimize thesurface of the slider 106-A that is exposed when the pole 108 is placedover the peg 502. By minimizing the exposure of the slider 106-A at theproximal end 116, there is less likelihood that the animal 202 will stepon or otherwise be affected by the slider 106-A.

At the distal end of the slider 106-A is a stake hole 504 and an endplate 506. The stake hole 504 is dimensioned and configured to receive astake to secure the slider 106-A to the ground in a fixed positionrelative to the rail 102. The end plate 506 extends below the tongue602-A of the slider 106-A a distance such that the bottom of the endplate 506 is coplanar with the bottom surface of the rail 102. The endplate 506 supports the distal end of the slider 106-A when the slider106-A is extended away from the rail centerline 110, such as illustratedin FIG. 2.

The leg 104-A1 is attached to the side of the rail 102 and extends awayfrom the rail 102 perpendicular to the rail centerline 110. In variousembodiments, the leg 104-A1 is permanently attached to the rail 102 orremovably attached. The thickness of the leg 104-A1 is the same as thethickness of the rail 102; therefore, the bottom of the leg 104-C iscoplanar with the bottom of the rail 102. The leg 104-A1 has a flatupper surface with markings 508 parallel with the rail centerline 110.The markings 508 are indicia of the distance the slider 106-A isextended away from the rail centerline 110. For example, when theproximal ends 116 of the sliders 106-A are all aligned with the samecorresponding mark 508, the indication is that all the sliders 106-A areextended an equal distance and the poles 108 on each side of the rail102 are coplanar. In various embodiments, the marks 508 are etched,engraved, or painted on the surface of the leg 104-A1 or are formed ofstrips of material affixed to the top of the leg 104-A1.

The distal end of the leg 104-A1 includes an opening 704 that registerswith the stake hole 504 in the slider 106-A when the slider 106-A fullyengages the leg 104-A1, that is, when the pole 108 is aligned with therail centerline 110. When the opening 704 and the stake hole 504 arealigned, a stake fits into the pair of holes 504, 704. Also, when theslider 106-A is extended such that the stake hole 504 is past the end ofthe leg 104-A1, the stake clears the leg 104-A1 when inserted throughthe stake hole 504.

On each side of the leg 104-A1 is a slot 702 that engages the tongue602-A of the slider 106-A. Above each slot 702 in the leg 104-A1 is alip 706 that engages a groove 604-A in the slider 106-A. Thetongue-and-groove configuration of the slider 106-A and leg 104-A1secures the two 104-A1, 106-A such that the slider 106-A is able to moveonly to extend and retract. The tongue-and-groove configuration of theslider 106-A and leg 104-A1 allows for quick and repeated repositioningof the poles 108 by moving the slider 106-A along the leg 104-A1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment of aleg 104-B. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 802 at the distalend of the leg 104-B has a U-shape. The U-shaped opening 802 allows astake inserted in the stake hole 504 in the slider 106 to pass by theleg 104-B when the slider 106 is in a fully retracted or almost fullyretracted position.

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment of aleg 104-C and slider 106-B. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view ofthe bottom of another embodiment of a slider 106-B. FIG. 11 illustratesa partial perspective view of another embodiment of a leg 104-C.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slider 106-B includes a sheet ofmaterial bent to form a portion of the slider 106-B. The distal end ofthe slider 106-B has the end wall 506 formed by bending the distal endof the slider 106-B downward. The side walls 1002 of the slider 106-Bare curved to form a groove 604-B. Between the end wall 506 and theslider side walls 1002 is a block 902 with forward face 904. When theslider 106-B is fully retracted, the forward face 904 of the block 902contacts the distal end of the leg 104-C. In one embodiment, the block902 is a hard plastic such as nylon or an ultra high molecular weight(UHMW) polyethylene. In such an embodiment, the block 902 has someresilience and impact strength to soften and withstand the shock of theslider 106-B repeated striking the distal end of the leg 104-C when theslider 106-B is pushed to the retracted position. Also, the bottom ofthe plastic block 902 provides a smooth flat surface for sliding alongthe ground when the slider 106-B is moved between the retracted andextended positions. The block 902 is wider in the direction of movementof the slider 106-B than the end wall 506 of the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 5. In another embodiment, the edges of the block 902 that areperpendicular to the direction of travel of the slider 106-B are roundedto avoid the block 902 catching or digging into the ground when theslider 106-B is moved.

In the illustrated embodiment of the slider 106-B, the side walls 1002are curved to form a tongue 602-B and a groove 604-B. The leg 104-C hasa lip 706 extending to the sides above a block portion 1102 of the leg104-C. The thickness of the leg 104-C is the same as the thickness ofthe rail 102; therefore, the bottom of the block portion 1102 of the leg104-C is coplanar with the bottom of the rail 102. The lip 706 of theleg 104-C engages the groove 604-B of the slider 106-B and therebyslideably secures the slider 106-B to the leg 104-C.

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment ofa slider 106-C. FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom ofthe slider 106-C shown in FIG. 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slider 106-C includes a slider plate1202, a peg 502, and a slider channel 1204. The slider plate 1202 is aflat plate with rounded ends that connects the peg 502 to the sliderchannel 1204. The peg 502 is attached to and extends upwards from theend 116 of the slider plate 1202 proximal to the rail 102. The width ofthe slider plate 1202 is minimized such that only a small ledge isprovided for the placement of a pole 108 over the peg 502. By minimizingthe exposure of the slider plate 1202 at the proximal end 116, there isless likelihood that the animal 202 will step on or otherwise beaffected by the slider plate 1202.

The slider channel 1204 includes a curved edge or tongue 602-C and agroove 604-C. On each side of the leg 104-A2 is a slot 702 that engagesthe tongue 602-C of the slider channel 1204. Above each slot 702 in theleg 104-A2 is a lip 706 that engages a groove 604-C in the sliderchannel 1204. The tongue-and-groove configuration of the slider channel1204 and leg 104-A2 secures the two 104-A2, 1204 such that the sliderchannel 1204 is able to move only to extend and retract.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slider plate 1202 and peg 502 arecantilevered where they are attached to the slider channel 1204 suchthat the proximal end 116 of the slider plate 1202 becomes the proximalend 116 of the slider 106-C. In other embodiments, the peg 502 isattached directly to the slider channel 1204. The tongue-and-grooveconfiguration of the slider 106-C and leg 104-A2 allows for quick andrepeated repositioning of the poles 108 by moving the slider 106-C alongthe leg 104-A2. The slider 106-C allows a portion of the slider plate1202 to extend over the rail 102 and locate the pole 108 over the railcenterline 110.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of apivot mechanism 1400. FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded front view of thepivot mechanism 1400 shown in FIG. 14.

The pivot mechanism 1400 includes an axle 1404 and a collar 1406. Theaxle 1404 is supported by two bearing walls 1402. The bearing walls 1402are attached to and extend upwards from the proximal end 116 of a sliderplate 1202. The bearing walls 1402 are parallel to each other. Thelongitudinal axis of the axle 1404 is perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the slider plate 1202. In the illustrated embodiment, the axle1404 is secured in an axle hole 1508 in each of the bearing walls 1402and terminates flush with the outside surfaces of the bearing walls1402. In various embodiments, the axle 1404 is attached to the bearingwalls 1402 by welding the ends of the axle 1404 to the bearing walls1402 or by applying an adhesive to the axle 1404 and axle hole 1508interface or by other means commonly known in the art. In theillustrated embodiment, the pivot mechanism 1400 is attached to a sliderplate 1202. In other embodiments, the pivot mechanism 1400 is attachedto a rail 102 or to a leg 104 or to a slider 106 or to another surface.

The bearing walls 1402 are separated a distance slightly greater thanthe width of the collar 1406. The collar 1406 is a thick-walledcylinder. A hole 1504 passes through the central axis of the collar1406. The hole 1504 receives the axle 1404 such that the collar 1406rotates about the axle 1404. The hole 1504 is dimensioned so that themovement of the collar 1406 about the axle 1404 is substantiallyrotational. The collar 1406 has a threaded through-hole 1408 thatprovides access to the axle 1404 by a stud 1410. In the illustratedembodiment, the through-hole 1408 has a longitudinal axis that isperpendicular to and intersects the axis of rotation of the collar 1406.

Each bearing wall 1402 extends upward from the slider plate 1202 and hasa full radius at the top. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius atthe top of the bearing wall 1402 is larger than and concentric with theoutside surface of the collar 1406. In another embodiment, the radius atthe top of the bearing wall 1402 is the same size as the outside surfaceof the collar 1406. In various other embodiments, the shape of the topof the bearing wall 1402 is not a full radius, but has sharp corners, oris not concentric with the outside surface of the collar 1406, or isotherwise different than the outside surface of the collar 1406. Theaxle 1404 holds the collar 1406 above the surface of the slider plate1202.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot mechanism 1400 includes a dowel1420 and a stud 1410. The dowel 1420 is a cylindrical member with athreaded hole 1502 in one end. The longitudinal axis of the threadedhole 1502 is coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the dowel 1420. Thethreaded hole 1502 receives the stud 1410. The stud 1410 is a threadedfastener. One end of the stud 1410 is fixedly installed into thethreaded hole 1502 of the dowel 1420. With the stud 1410 installed, thedowel 1420 acts as a head for the portion of the threaded stud 1410extending from the dowel 1420. In various embodiments, the dowel andstud are one piece or the stud is welded or glued or otherwise affixedto the dowel.

With the stud 1410 fixed in the end of the dowel 1420, the stud 1410 isthreaded into the through-hole 1408 of the collar 1406 by turning thedowel 1420 clockwise. The collar 1406 is fixed in a position by turningthe dowel 1420 until the other end of the threaded stud 1410 makescontact with the axle 1404 and is tightened against the axle 1404. Thecollar 1406 is released from the set position by turning the dowel 1420counter-clockwise until the other end of the threaded stud 1410 is freeof contact with the axle 1404. When the collar 1406 is released from theset position and the stud 1410 remains threaded into the through-hole1408, the dowel 1420 rotates about the axle 1404 to a desired position.

The collar 1406 and stud 1410 are a clamp with the stud 1410 providingthe clamping force that secures the clamp to the axle 1404. Tighteningthe stud 1410 against the axle 1404 forces the inside surface of thecollar 1406 opposite the through-hole 1408 against the axle 1404,thereby clamping the axle 1404.

The dowel 1420 has a through-hole 1412 passing through the cylindricalsurface that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A weave pole108′ is secured to the pivot mechanism 1400 by a pin 1414. The pole 108′has a pair of coaxial pin holes 1416. The pin holes 1416 pass throughthe walls of the pole 108′. The pin holes 1416 are perpendicular to andintersect the longitudinal axis of the pole 108′.

The weave pole 108′ is secured to the pivot mechanism 1400 bypositioning the weave pole 108′ over the dowel 1420 such that the pinholes 1416 of the pole 108′ register with the through-hole 1412 of thedowel 1420. The pin 1414 fits through the holes 1416, 1412, therebysecuring the weave pole 108′ to the dowel 1420. To loosen and secure thecollar 1406 about the axle 1404, the pole 108′ turns the stud 1410. Whenthe collar 1406 is loosened, the angle of the pole 108′ is adjustable.In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 1414 has a cylindrical body and ahead 1422 contoured to the shape of the pole 108′. In variousembodiments, the pin 1414 may be a cotter pin, clevis pin, detent pin,cotterless clevis pin, headless pin, or other fastener so long as theshape of the pin 1414 and the head 1422, if present, pose a minimalthreat to the animal 202 or the hazardous part of the pin 1414 isshielded. Hazards from the pin 1414 configuration include snagging thefur or scraping the leg or foot of the animal 202.

Each bearing wall 1402 is marked with indicia 1418 to indicate theangular position of the pole 108′. In one embodiment, the indicia 1418is aligned with the center of a pole 108′. When a pole 108′ ispositioned at an indicia 1418 on the bearing walls 1402, the angularposition of the pole 108′ is known. When each of the poles 108′ on oneside of a weave trainer 100 are positioned to the same correspondingindicia 1418 on the bearing walls 1402, the position of the poles 108′on that side of the weave trainer 100 are uniform.

FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a weavetrainer 100′. In the illustrated embodiment, the poles 108′ arepositioned at an angle to accommodate various weave training methods.The pivot mechanism 1400 allows the angle of the weave poles 108′ to beadjusted in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 110 of therail 102. The animal 202 uses the angled poles 108′ as a visual andtactile guide to learn in what order and on what side the animal 202 isto pass the poles 108′ when traversing the weave to demonstrate itsagility. The illustrated configuration supports the training methodwhere the animal 202 walks along the rail 102 through the triangularopening by ducking below each angled pole 108′ along the way. The sideof the pole 108′ that the animal 202 ducks under is the same side of thepole 108′ that the animal 202 passes when traversing the rail 102 in ademonstration of agility. Although the illustrated embodiment shows thepivot mechanism 1400 attached to a leg 104-A2 as illustrated in FIGS. 12and 13, in other embodiments, the weave trainer 100′ includes pivotmechanisms 1400 attached to other embodiments of the leg 104.

FIG. 16 also illustrates a configuration of the weave poles 108′-A(shown in dashed lines). The poles 108′-A are angled outwards away fromthe rail 102. The poles 108′-A assume a truncated V-shape. The animaltraverses the weave trainer 100′ through a passage with the poles 108′-Aangled away from the animal's body.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a weavetrainer 100″. In the illustrated embodiment, the poles 108 form one sideof a gate 1702. The gates 1702 extend away from the rail centerline 110.The animal 202 uses the gates 1702 as visual and physical barriers whenlearning to traverse the various weaving paths 204 of the weave trainer100″. In one embodiment, the poles 108 are restrained from rotatingrelative to the sliders 106, thereby ensuring the proper orientation ofthe gates 1702 to the rail centerline 110.

FIG. 18 illustrates a partial perspective view of one embodiment of ajoint 1800 between a rail 102-A and a leg 104-B. FIG. 19 illustrates apartial perspective view of the rail 102-A shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 20illustrates a partial perspective view of the leg 104-B shown in FIG.18.

The rail 102-A is a channel with a base wall 1902 and two side walls1904. The base wall 1902 has an inside face, or surface, 1910 thatdefines the lower extent of the base wall 1902. The side walls 1904attach to the base wall 1902 at corners 1916 that run the length of therail 102-A. The rail 102-A has a window 1802 in a corner 1916 where aleg 104-B connects with the rail 102-A. In the illustrated embodiment,the window 1802 passes through the entire thickness of the base wall1902 and the side wall 1904. The window 1802 has a length defined by twoparallel faces 1912 that lie in planes that are perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 110 of the rail 102-A.

The window 1802 is further defined by a bearing face 1908 and a stop1906. The bearing face 1908 is a planar surface that is the top of theside wall 1904. The stop 1906 is a planar surface adjacent to the basewall 1902. The bearing face 1908 and stop 1906 are perpendicular totheir respective adjacent walls 1904, 1902. The bearing face 1908 andthe stop 1906 are perpendicular to and join the two parallel faces 1912.

The leg 104-B has a ledge 2002 that extends outward at the rail end ofthe leg 104-B. The ledge 2002 has a forward face 2010. The forward face2010 of the ledge 2002 is at the proximal end of the leg 104-B. In theillustrated embodiment, the forward face 2010 is a planar surface in aplane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the leg 104-B. Invarious embodiments, the forward face 2010 is rounded or chamfered oranother shape or at another angle that is readily insertable into thewindow 1802.

The ledge 2002 has a mating face 2008. The mating face 2008 is a planarsurface along the top side of the ledge 2002. The mating face 2008 isparallel to the upper surface of the leg 104-B. The mating face 2008 isoffset below the upper surface of the leg 104-B by approximately thethickness of the base wall 1902 of the rail 102-A. The transitionbetween the upper surface of the leg 104-B and the ledge 2002 is definedby a shoulder 2006. The shoulder 2006 is a planar wall perpendicular tothe mating face 2008.

The lower surface 2002 of the ledge 2008 is offset above the lowersurface of the leg 104-B. The lower surface 2002 of the ledge 2008extends from a slot 2004 to the forward face 2010 of the ledge 2008. Theslot 2004 is defined by two parallel walls 2012, 2016 and an interiorface 2014. One of the parallel walls 2012 extends upward into the leg104-B from the lower surface of the leg 104-B. The other parallel wall2016 extends upward into the leg 104-B from the lower surface of theledge 2008. The interior face 2014 is a planar surface orientedperpendicular to the two parallel walls 2012, 2016.

The leg 104-B is removably attachable to the rail 102-A by inserting theledge 2008 into the window 1802 and positioning the bearing face 1908 ofthe sidewall 1904 inside the slot 2004. The window 1802 in the rail102-A interfaces with the proximal end of the leg 104-B to form aseparable joint 1800. The window 1802 is dimensioned and configured toreceive the ledge 2002 and the slot 2004 of the leg 104-B. The leg 104-Bis removably installed into the rail 102-A by inserting the ledge 2002into the window 1802 at an angle to the upper surface of the rail 102-A.The ledge 2002 is inserted until the shoulder 2006 contacts the stop1906. The distal end of the leg 104-B is then pivoted downward about theshoulder 2006 such that the slot 2004 receives the bearing face 1908 andcorresponding side wall 1904. When installed, the mating face 2008 ofthe ledge 2002 contacts the inside face 1910 of the base wall 1902 ofthe rail 104-B and the bearing face 1908 of the window 1802 contacts theinterior face 2014 of the slot 2004. The ledge 2002 is a lengthsufficient to fit into the window 1802 at a desired insertion anglewithout passing below the ends of the side walls 1904 where the rail102-A rests on the ground.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rail 102-A is a channel. In anotherembodiment, the rail 102 has a rectangular cross-section and the window1802 is a pocket formed inside the rail 102 with an inside face 1910 andan open space provided for the ledge 2002 to pivot into position. Thelength of the ledge 2002 is dimensioned and configured to fit into thewindow, or pocket, 1802 of the solid rail 102.

The illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 20 shows a leg 104-Bconfigured to accept a slider 106. The leg 104-B has a pair of slots 702on opposite sides that receive a corresponding tongue 602 of a slider106. In another embodiment, the leg 104-B is slightly wider and withoutthe slot 702. In such an embodiment, the peg 502 that supports the weavepole 108 is attached to the rail 102-A and the leg 104-B functions as aside support to the rail 102-A. Such an embodiment is suitable for useas a competition-ready agility device.

FIG. 21 illustrates a partial perspective view of one embodiment of aconnector 2100-A between the rails 102-A1, 102-A2 of two weave trainers100. The illustrated connector 2100-A includes a pair of rails 102-A1,102-A2 with ends that butt together and a floating hinge 2102 that fitsinto the channel shaped rails 102-A1, 102-A2. The floating hinge 2102provides for folding the rails 102-A1, 102-A2 over 180 degrees from aflat configuration with little or no gap 2108 between the parts. In theillustrated embodiment, the floating hinge 2102 is installed usingthreaded nuts 2104 and screws 2106. In other embodiments, the hinge isinstalled with other fastening devices, welds, or adhesives.

FIG. 22 illustrates another partial perspective view of the connector2100-C shown in FIG. 21 in a folded configuration. When the two rails102-A1, 102-A2 are folded together at 180 degrees from the flatconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 21 to the closed configurationillustrated in FIG. 22, a closed cavity 2202 is formed. The base walls1902 form two sides of the cavity 2202 and the four side walls 1904combine to form the other two walls of cavity 2202. The cavity 2202provides for a storage location for the legs 104, sliders 106, or othercomponents of the weave trainer 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ends 2110 of the rails 102-A1, 102-A2are rounded. That is, the ends 2110 have a shape that allows the tworails 102-A1, 102-A2 to fold without binding. In other embodiments, thehinge 2102 is articulated such that rails 102-A1, 102-A2 with thesquare-cut ends do not bind when the rails 102-A1, 102-A2 are folded.

In another embodiment, the connector 2100-A is a solid bar instead of ahinge 2102. The solid bar rigidly attaches the two rails 102-A1, 102-A2such that the rails 102-A1, 102-A2 move together as a single rigid rail102-A.

FIG. 23 illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment ofa connector 2100-B between the rails 102-B1, 102-B2 of two weavetrainers 100. FIG. 24 illustrates a top view of the connector 2100-Bshown in FIG. 21. In one embodiment, two rails 102-B1, 102-B2 of a pairof weave trainers 100 are joined together at a connector 2100-B. Themating ends of the rails 102-B1, 102-B2 have complementary faces 2306,2308 that mate when butted together. In the illustrated embodiment, eachend has a pair of offset parallel faces 2308 that are connected with athird face 2306 near the rail centerline 110. In the illustratedembodiment, the third face 2306 is not parallel to the rail centerline110. In another embodiment, the third face 2306 is parallel to the railcenterline 110.

When the rails 102-B1, 102-B2 are butted together, pins 2302 areinserted in corresponding holes 2310 in the rails 102-B1, 102-B2 tosecurely fix the rails 102-B1, 102-B2 together. In the illustratedembodiment, the pin 2302 has a toggle 2304 that rotates after passingthrough the hole 2310 to lock the pin 2302 in the rails 102. In otherembodiments, cotter pins, clevis pins, detent pins, cotterless clevispins, headless pins, or other fasteners are used to secure the rails 102together.

FIG. 25 illustrates a partial side perspective view of anotherembodiment of a connector 2100-C between the rails 102-C1, 102-C2 of twoweave trainers 100. The illustrated connector 2100-C includes a pair ofrails 102-C1, 102-C2 with ends that butt together and a channel 2302that fits over the ends of both rails 102-C1, 102-C2. The channel 2502has a pair of sidewalls 2504 that fit adjacent the sides of the rails102-C1, 102-C2. The sidewalls 2504 have holes 2506 that register withholes 2310 in the ends of the rails 102-C1, 102-C2 such that with therails 102-C, 102-D butted together and the channel 2502 in position,pins 2302 fit in the holes 2506, 2310 to secure the rails 102-C, 102-Dtogether.

FIG. 26 illustrates a partial perspective view of another embodiment ofa joint 1800′ between a rail 102-D and a leg 104-C. FIG. 27 illustratesa partial side view of one embodiment of a leg 104-C. FIG. 28illustrates a bottom view of the rail 102-D shown in FIG. 26.

The rail 102-D is a channel with a base wall 1902 and two side walls1904. The rail 102-D has a notch 2612 in the side wall 1904 where theleg 104-C connects with the rail 102-D. In the illustrated embodiment,the notch 2612 in the side wall 1904 has a surface that is contiguouswith the base wall 1902. The rail notch 2612 has a width sufficient toreceive the latching portion 2610 of the leg 104-C.

Inside the rail 102-D and spanning the gap between the side walls 1904are a pair of bars 2602. The bars 2602 are spaced apart sufficiently toreceive the latching portion 2610 of the leg 104-C. Between the bars2602 is a peg 2608. The peg 2608 engages a leg notch 2708 in thelatching portion 2610. The distal end of the latching portion 2610includes a hook 2702 and a rounded surface 2704. The hook 2702 holds theleg 104-C captive between the bars 2602 until the leg 104-C ispositioned almost perpendicular to the base wall 1902, at which positionthe hook 2702 is slideable under the peg 2608. The rounded surface 2704of the latching portion 2610 has a radius that permits the leg 104-D topivot about the peg 2608. The leg 104-C has a deployed position in whichthe notch 2708 engages the peg 2608 and the ledge 2710 on the leg 104-Cis adjacent one side wall 1904 and the upper surface 2712 of the leg104-C is substantially parallel with the upper surface of the rail102-D. The leg 104-C has a second position in which the leg 104-C is notlatched in the rail 102-D and the leg 104-C is readily removable fromthe rail 102-D.

The illustrated embodiment of the joint 1800′ includes a detentmechanism that includes a recess 2706 in the latching portion 2610 ofthe leg 104-C. In one embodiment of the detent mechanism, engaging therecess 2706 is a spring-loaded detent ball setscrew 2810 that has acaptive ball 2812. In another embodiment, engaging the recess 2706 is aball 2804 that is biased by a spring 2806 with a setscrew 2808 capturingthe ball 2804 and spring 2806 in a threaded opening in the bar 2602-B.In such an embodiment, the threaded opening has a restriction thatprevents the ball 2804 from escaping the threaded opening when thelatching portion 2610 of the leg 104-D is not adjacent the threadedopening. The detent mechanism operates to latch the leg 104-C in thedeployed position by the ball 2812, 2804 engaging the recess 2706. Thebias on the ball 2812, 2804 is sufficient to secure the leg 104-C to therail 102-D with the leg 104-C and the latching portion 2610 in thedeployed position.

In one embodiment a locking mechanism is provided when it is desired tolock the leg 104-C in the deployed position. The locking mechanismincludes a setscrew 2604 that passes through a bar 2602-A and engages alocking recess 2606 in the latching portion 2610 of the leg 104-C. Inone embodiment, the locking setscrew 2604 has a blunt nose 2802 thatengages the locking recess 2606. In one such embodiment, the lockingrecess 2606 has a truncated conical configuration and the blunt nose2802 engages the conical walls of the locking recess 2606, therebypositioning the leg 104-C before locking it into the deployed position.

In one embodiment, the legs 104-C have a width that is dimensioned tofill one-half of the inside width of the rail 102-D. In this way, twolegs 104-C are storable side-by-side between the side walls 1902 of therail 102-D. In this way the legs 104-C are easily transported and storedwith the rail 102-D.

The illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 26 and 27 shows a leg 104-Cconfigured to accept a slider 106. The leg 104-C has a pair of slots 702on opposite sides that receive a corresponding tongue 602 of a slider106. In another embodiment, the leg 104-C is slightly wider and withoutthe slot 702. In such an embodiment, the peg 502 that supports the weavepole 108 is attached to the rail 102-D and the leg 104-C functions as aside support to the rail 102-D. Such an embodiment is suitable for useas a competition-ready agility device.

The weave trainer 100 includes various functions. The function ofproviding a visual aid to an animal 202 traversing a series of poles 108is implemented, in one embodiment, by the rail 102, which remains inplace throughout the various positions of the poles 108.

The function of latching a leg 104-C in a deployed position relative tothe rail 102-D is implemented, in one embodiment, by a detent mechanismsuch as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28. In one embodiment, the detentmechanism includes a recess 2706 and a cooperating ball 2812 that isinternally biased in a spring-loaded detent ball setscrew 2810. Theplacement of the ball 2812 relative to the surface of the bar 2602-Bproximate the detent recess 2706 is controlled by the insertion of thedetent ball setscrew 2810 in the threaded opening in the bar 2602-B. Inanother embodiment, the detent mechanism includes a recess 2706 and acooperating ball 2804 that is biased by a spring 2806 and a setscrew2808. The engagement depth of the setscrew 2808 in the threaded openingin the bar 2602-B determines the amount of bias against the ball 2804and its subsequent latching power when the ball 2804 engages the detentrecess 2706.

The function of locking a leg 104-C in a deployed position relative tothe rail 102-D is implemented, in one embodiment, by a locking mechanismhaving a locking setscrew 2604 protruding from a bar 2602-A and engaginga locking recess 2606 in the leg 104-C. When the leg 104-C is in thedeployed position, the locking recess 2606 is aligned with the tip 2802of the locking setscrew 2604. Threading the locking setscrew 2604 intothe bar 2602-A engages the locking recess 2606 and prevents the leg104-C from moving out of the deployed position.

The function of uniformly positioning various poles 108 is implemented,in one embodiment, by the markings 508 on the leg 104 that make knownthe position of the slider 106 on which the poles 108 are attached andthe markings 1418 on the bearing walls 1402 that make known the angularposition of the angled pole 108.

From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilledin the art that a weave trainer 100 apparatus and a method of using suchtrainer 100 to agility train animals has been provided. In oneembodiment, the weave trainer 100 includes a plurality of legs 104 thatextend from a rail 102. Each leg 104 has a corresponding slider 106 thatis held captive by the leg 104, but is movable along the longitudinalaxis of the leg 104. Attached to each slider 106 is a peg 502 thatsupports a weave pole 108. In various embodiments, the sliders 106-A,106-B include end plates 506 and stop blocks 902.

In one embodiment, the weave trainer 100′ includes a plurality ofpivoting mechanisms 1400. Each pivoting mechanism 1400 supports a weavepole 108′ that also operates a clamp that locks the angular position ofthe weave pole 108′. Rotating the weave pole 108′ causes a threaded stud1410 and a collar 1406 to clamp onto an axle 1404, thereby locking thepole 108′. In one embodiment, the weave trainer 100″ includes gates 1702that provide visual and physical guidance to animals 202 traversing theweave trainer 100″.

In other embodiments, the weave trainer 100 includes a hinge orconnector 2100 that attaches to a second weave trainer 100. In one suchembodiment, the connector is a hinge 2100-A that allows two channel-typerails 102-A to fold against each other. In another such embodiment, theconnector 2100-B is a rail 102-B having an end that receives one or morepins 2302. In still another such embodiment, the connector 2100- is achannel 2502 that fits over the butted ends of two rails 102-C, and thechannel 2502 is secured in place with pins or fasteners.

In one embodiment, the poles 108 are spaced approximately 21 inchesapart with a rail 102 of approximately 5 feet, 3 inches in length. Therail 102 and legs 104 are ½ inch thick. The rail 102 is two inches wideand the legs 104 are ¾ inch wide and approximately 9 inches long.

The training method includes a step of positioning the sliders 106 inthe extended position and having an animal 202-A follow a straight path204-A along the rail centerline 110 of the trainer 100. This step isfollowed by the moving the sliders 106 toward the retracted position andhaving the animal 202-B follow a slightly weaving path 204-B around thepoles 108. The sliders 106 are progressively moved to the fullyretracted position with the animal 202-C traveling a weaving path 204-Caround the poles 108.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description ofseveral embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have beendescribed in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broaderaspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representativeapparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described.Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departingfrom the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

1. An apparatus for demonstrating the agility of an animal, saidapparatus comprising: a rail being an elongated member with a topsurface, a first side, and a second side, said rail having a raillongitudinal axis, said rail having a first end and a second end; aplurality of legs extending from said rail between said first and secondends, a first one of said plurality of legs extending from said firstside of said rail proximate said first end, a second one of saidplurality of legs extending from said second side of said rail at aspaced distance from said first one of said plurality of legs, others ofsaid plurality of legs alternatingly extending from first and secondsides, each one of said plurality of legs having a leg longitudinalaxis, each one of said plurality of legs having a deployed position inwhich said leg longitudinal axis is substantially parallel with a planedefined by said top surface of said rail; a plurality of jointsreleasably securing said plurality of legs to said rail, each one ofsaid plurality of joints having a pair of bars attached to said rail anda latching end at a proximal end of a corresponding one of saidplurality of legs, each bar of said pair of bars extending between saidfirst and second sides of said rail, said pair of bars spaced apart andconfigured to receive said latching end, a peg extending between saidpair of bars, said latching end having a hook configured to engage saidpeg; a latching mechanism releasably securing said latching end betweensaid pair of bars when a corresponding one of said plurality of legs isin said deployed position; a plurality of sliders each having a proximalend relative to said rail, each one of said plurality of slidersengaging a corresponding one of said plurality of legs, each one of saidplurality of sliders movable between a first position and a secondposition; and a plurality of weave poles, each one of said plurality ofweave poles attached to a proximal end of a corresponding one of saidplurality of sliders; wherein a corresponding one of said plurality ofweave poles being located proximate said rail when one of said pluralityof sliders is in said first position.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said latching mechanism includes a recess in said latching endand a ball biased to protrude from one of said pair of bars, said ballengaging said recess when said corresponding one of said plurality oflegs is in said deployed position.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 whereinsaid ball is captive in said one of said pair of bars.
 4. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein said latching mechanism includes a locking mechanism,said locking mechanism includes a setscrew and a recess, said setscrewpassing through one of said pair of bars and engaging said recess whensaid corresponding one of said plurality of legs is in said deployedposition thereby preventing said corresponding one of said plurality oflegs from moving out of said deployed position.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein each one of said plurality of joints includes an openingin a corresponding one of said first and second sides of said rail, saidopening positioned adjacent a space between said pair of bars, saidopening cooperating with said latching end when said corresponding oneof said plurality of legs is in said deployed position.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein each one of said plurality of legs and eachcorresponding one of said plurality of sliders includes atongue-in-groove configuration whereby each said corresponding one ofsaid plurality of sliders slides relative to said one of said pluralityof legs.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each one of said pluralityof sliders has a through-opening positioned adjacent a distal end, saidthrough-opening dimensioned and configured to receive a stake for fixingsaid each one of said plurality of sliders at a selected position.
 8. Anapparatus for demonstrating the agility of an animal whereby the animaltraverses an weave pole arrangement, said apparatus comprising: a railbeing an elongated member with a top surface, a first side, and a secondside, said rail having a longitudinal axis, said rail having a first endand a second end; a plurality of legs extending from alternating sidesof said rail between said first and second ends; and a plurality ofjoints releasably securing said plurality of legs to said rail, each oneof said plurality of joints having a pair of bars attached to said railand a latching end at a proximal end of a corresponding one of saidplurality of legs, each one of said pair of bars extending between saidfirst and second sides of said rail, said pair of bars spaced apart andconfigured to receive said latching end, a peg extending between saidpair of rails, said latching end having a hook configured to engage saidpeg when said latching end is in a deployed configuration in which a leglongitudinal axis is substantially parallel with said top surface ofsaid rail.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein each one of saidplurality of joints includes a latching mechanism releasably securingsaid latching end between said pair of bars when said latching end is insaid deployed position.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein saidlatching mechanism includes a recess in said latching end and a ballbiased to protrude from one of said pair of bars, said ball engagingsaid recess when said latching end is in said deployed position.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein each one of said plurality of jointsincludes a locking mechanism, said locking mechanism includes a setscrewand a recess, said setscrew passing through one of said pair of bars andengaging said recess when said latching end is in said deployed positionthereby preventing said latching end from moving out of said deployedposition.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8 further including a plurality ofsliders each having a proximal end relative to said rail, each one ofsaid plurality of sliders engaging a corresponding one of said pluralityof legs, each one of said plurality of sliders movable between a firstposition and a second position, said first position being with saidproximal end adjacent said raid.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 whereineach one of said plurality of legs and each corresponding one of saidplurality of sliders includes a tongue-in-groove configuration wherebyeach said corresponding one of said plurality of sliders slides relativeto said one of said plurality of legs.
 14. An apparatus fordemonstrating the agility of an animal whereby the animal traverses aweave pole arrangement, said apparatus comprising: a rail being anelongated channel-type member with a top wall and a first wall and asecond wall attached to opposite sides of said top wall, said railhaving a longitudinal axis, said first wall and said second wall beingparallel to said longitudinal axis, said rail having a first end and asecond end; a plurality of notches spaced apart along said rail betweensaid first and second ends, each one of said plurality of notchesalternatingly positioned in said first wall and said second wall, eachone of said plurality of notches positioned between a pair of barsattached to said rail, an axel extending between said pair of barsopposite said one of said plurality of notches; and a plurality of legsremovably attachable to said rail, each one of said plurality of legshaving a proximal end configured to engage a corresponding peg, saidproximal opening having a leg opening and an adjacent bar of said pairof bars having a bar opening that is aligned with said leg opening whensaid one of said plurality of legs is in a deployed position, a fastenerengaging said leg opening and said bar opening when said one of saidplurality of legs is in said deployed position, thereby locking said oneof said plurality of legs in said deployed position.
 15. The apparatusof claim 14 wherein each one of said plurality of legs have a topsurface that is substantially coplanar with a top surface of said topwall when said one of said plurality of legs is in said deployedposition.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14 further including a latchingmechanism releasably securing said proximal end between said pair ofbars when a corresponding one of said plurality of legs is in saiddeployed position.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14 further including alatching mechanism releasably securing said proximal end between saidpair of bars when a corresponding one of said plurality of legs is insaid deployed position, said latching mechanism including a recess insaid proximal end and a ball biased to protrude from one of said pair ofbars, said ball engaging said recess when said proximal end is in saiddeployed position.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein each one ofsaid plurality of legs includes a tongue-in-groove configuration wherebyeach said corresponding one of said plurality of legs telescopes alongits longitudinal axis.
 19. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein each one ofsaid plurality of legs includes a sliding member, said sliding membermovable along a longitudinal axis of said one of said plurality of legs.20. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein each one of said plurality of legsincludes a sliding member, said sliding member movable along alongitudinal axis of said one of said plurality of legs, each one ofsaid sliding members having a proximal end having a support member forsupporting a weave pole.